If anyone doubted that DeVonta Smith is the best player in the land, if anyone doubted that Nick Saban is the best coach and if anyone doubted that Alabama is the best team in a pandemic-challenged season, they don’t doubt any more.
Alabama erased all questions as the Crimson Tide downed Ohio State 52-24 Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Smith was spectacular in adding the Offensive MVP of the title game to the treasure trove of awards he already netted. The “Slim Reaper,” as some have called him, turned in a virtuoso performance with championship game records for the most receptions (12) and receiving touchdowns (3) while accounting for 215 of the Crimson Tide’s 464 receiving yards. Smith did all of his damage in the first half as he dislocated a finger on his right hand very early in the second half.
Saban claimed his sixth national championship while leading the Crimson Tide. Those plus the one he earned while leading LSU put him on a pedestal higher than legendary Alabama coach Paul Bryant, although Saban continues to hold the Bear in the highest regard.
“I don’t think anybody really compares to coach Bryant,” Saban said. “I think coach Bryant is sort of in a class of his own in terms of what he was able to accomplish, what his record is, the longevity that he had and the tradition he established.
“If it wasn’t for coach Bryant, we would never be able to do what we did. I mean, he’s the one that made Alabama and the tradition at Alabama a place where lots of players wanted to come. We’ve been able to build on that with great support. His family has always supported us in a tremendous way that has helped us have the success that we have,” Saban said.
After the game, Smith displayed the same humility he did in receiving the Heisman, saying he is “just blessed to be in this situation.
“I just practiced hard all week, just worked, came to do my job,” he continued. “It just worked out well for me and the team.”
The Buckeyes got the ball first and immediately lost a key weapon when running back Trey Sermon left with an injury. After stellar performances in his prior three outings, he finished the title game with one carry for 2 yards.
The teams were tied at 14 in the second quarter before Alabama went on a 21-3 run to take a 35-17 advantage into intermission.
Ohio State answered a Tide field goal with a touchdown but would not score again. Even with Smith sidelined, the Tide rolled to two more TDs, the final one being the third of the game for running back Najee Harris.
The game brought a happy return for Bama receiver Jaylen Waddle, who hadn’t seen action since injuring his ankle on the opening kickoff return against Tennessee in October. Smith said Waddle’s effort shows his teammate’s commitment and how much he loves his team.
“Him just wanting to be out there, just doing what he can (to) give us everything he got,” Smith said. “That was just the message, give us what you got, we’ll take anything. I don’t think nobody prepared as hard as him on this team just with everything that he’s done.”
Defensive lineman Christian Barmore was named the Defensive MVP with five tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss in a disruptive performance.
Alabama completed a 13-0 season, successfully navigating the protocols brought on by a pandemic that threatened to cancel the season. And once begun, COVID-19 left the season susceptible to a premature end at any time.
As Alabama prepared to salt away football championship No. 18, fans readied to savor the accomplishment by buying caps, shirts, pennants and other paraphernalia. Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports + Outdoors opened their doors shortly after the final seconds ticked off the clock.
Rick Averyt of Homewood was the first fan in the door at the Hoover Academy store. He arrived about four minutes into the third quarter.
“I figured it was really secure then,” he said of the game’s eventual outcome. “I’ve been here for the last three or four national championships. I’ve been one of the first few people in the door. It’s just something I like to do. It’s fun to be out here. It’s fun just to get the first gear that comes off the line and it’s just something that it makes us happy.”
Hoover’s Carla Gadson earned two criminal justice degrees at the Capstone and proudly shared that she was No. 8 in line to shop. That virtual announcement made her the designated shopper, fielding telephoned requests to make purchases.
“Tonight I am,” she said. “They called me and were like, ‘Hey, can you grab this? Hey, can you grab that?’ I was like, OK. Fine. I’ll grab it.”
Academy checked fans into a virtual line as they scanned a QR code or via email to reserve their spot to shop. John Byczek, public relations specialist for Academy, said this was the first time Academy used this system.
“It has been available in other championship scenarios earlier this year but just did not come to fruition,” he said. “The apparel did not go on sale because the team did not win.”
The last time Alabama won the national championship, a long line had already formed on the sidewalk outside. The crowd appeared to show up later this time but Rick Burleson, a regional marketing specialist, didn’t think that odd.
“It has been three years since Alabama has won a championship so they’re probably taking in the full game,” he said before the doors opened. “They’ll come here and they know that we’ll be here with the championship gear that they’re looking for.”
Store director Ryan Armstrong said this wasn’t their first championship rodeo.
“We’ve had a lot of practice here in the Alabama market,” he said. “Hot markets are not anything new to us. Nick Saban’s won five of the last 12 so we’ve got multiple stores in the state of Alabama where we’ve been able to run these markets and do this for our customers. Just as soon as the game is over, we’ve got what (customers) need immediately.”
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January 12, 2021 at 11:05PM
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Alabama Crimson Tide wins national championship to complete special season - Alabama NewsCenter
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